San Onofre lease deal celebrated by officials, dignitaries

• April 22, 2025

It was a chance to soak in the sights of San Onofre State Beach, to toast to the stretch of coast and its future, to mark a major milestone in the area’s storied history.

Officials, dignitaries and people pivotal to the 25-year land lease renewal between the state and federal governments came together on Monday, April 21, to celebrate the partnership that is allowing the land and coast wedged between San Clemente and San Diego to remain a public amenity for years to come.

“These are the places that connect us,” Director of State Parks Armando Quintero said during a press conference held on a bluff overlooking the pristine coastline and Pacific Ocean.  “Places like this are just invaluable in society.”

The land lease deal completed in late August took years of negotiation between the Department of Defense, the Department of Navy, and the state. But now that the ink is dry, Monday was a chance to celebrate – especially with the news last week that the LA28 Olympics will hold its surfing competition at San Onofre State Beach’s Lower Trestles.

San Onofre State Beach is home to some of the country’s best surf breaks, world-class mountain biking, camping, miles of hiking trails and a natural landscape that is a quick getaway from the urban sprawl.

California’s Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot called San Onofre State Beach “truly a special place.”

“We are here today to celebrate, of course, this incredible beach and this park. But most importantly, we always need to remember the role that our federal military and our military leaders play in protecting our country and protecting our communities,” Crowfoot said. “And so first and foremost, I wanted to express our eternal appreciation for that.”

There are 280 State Parks across California, and the estimated 2.5 million visitors to San Onofre State Beach each year make it one of the most popular in the system, Crowfoot noted. It is also an important environmental habitat that exists almost nowhere else, he said.

Officials talked about the historic deal back in 1971 that created the park. It was spearheaded by President Richard Nixon, who set the first lease at a whopping $1 for 50 years.

A lot changed in the following decades, including federal law that required the military get fair market value, Crowfoot said.

After years of back and forth, the ultimate value was agreed to be about $3.2 million a year, or about $90 million over the life of the new lease. The state will supply in-kind credits to the military, including the use of land as training facilities, and state energy credits.

“We get to celebrate this milestone that guarantees us 25 more years of this remarkable partnership that brings millions of Californians to this beach — people from around the world to enjoy this incredible environment, including in the Olympics in 2028 — and enables State Parks to support our federal military mission,” Crowfoot said. “I stand here today proud, humble, excited and thankful to everyone who made the next 25 years possible.”

Congressman Mike Levin talked about a three-year extension in 2021 that was necessary when the original lease expired, and the anxious days leading up to the last deadline, just as the World Surf League was preparing for its world championships at Lower Trestles.

“The years became months. What I didn’t want was the Register or anybody else to have to write that story about how the beach and the park was going to be shut down,” he said. “I would have been a dead duck. I think we all would have been in big trouble. We would have had surfers protesting. And I know none of us wanted to see that.”

Brigadier Gen. Nick Brown, commander of the nearby Camp Pendleton, said it took many patriots and professionals to see the lease deal through.

“It was really humbling to watch this process play out over the course of several years,” he said, calling the beach and park an “absolutely breathtaking stretch of our coast.”

“For surfers, families, vacationers of all corners of the world, to wildlife advocates and cultural stewards and certainly those of us that live and work here on Camp Pendleton, San Onofre State Beach is a crown jewel,” he said.

The partnership is rooted in a mutual trust, Brown said, with a shared purpose to protect the great landscape and preserve its lasting legacy.

“It’s a legacy that balances conservation, access for stewardship, the environmental needs of today with tomorrow’s responsibilities,” he said. “It is part of our duty and part of our mission. The recent extension of lease between the Department of the Navy and California State Parks reflects that commitment. It reaffirms our shared responsibility to safeguard this wonderful coastline.”

As the world turns its attention to Lower Trestles for the LA28 Olympic games, it’s a proud story to tell, Brown said.

“Together, we’ll continue to protect San O for everyone who’s out there,” he said.”  “Now, on this beach today, those who will come here tomorrow and generations to come.”

​ Orange County Register 

Millions raised early as 2026 House races take shape in Orange County

• April 22, 2025

The 2026 election cycle is already heating up — and the money is rolling in.

Congressional candidates across Orange County collectively raised millions of dollars in the first quarter of 2025, with early totals suggesting several races are poised to become top battlegrounds.

The early money matters. With Republicans holding a razor-thin majority in the House, both parties are gearing up for a high-stakes midterm.

And Orange County, home to several competitive districts and one of the country’s largest suburban electorates, is once again shaping up to be a key battleground.

Take California’s 40th Congressional District, where Republican Rep. Young Kim is seeking reelection. The Anaheim Hills Republican pulled in just around $1.3 million from January through March, one of the largest hauls in the country for a vulnerable Republican, according to Federal Election Commission data.

It’s the first time Kim has broken $1 million in the first quarter of any year, more than twice what she brought in during the same period in 2021, another off-year.

“The amount of money raised this early in the 40th, on both sides, is a clear indication that the parties think this is going to be a big contest,” said Matt Jarvis, who teaches campaigns and elections at Cal State Fullerton.

Esther Kim Varet, a Democrat and political newcomer who is in the race for the 40th District, reported raising just over $1 million in the first quarter. But roughly 40%, or $382,000, comes from personal loans and contributions. The rest of her total is in line with the early totals of freshmen Democrats in Orange County, Rep. Dave Min in California’s 47th District and Derek Tran in California’s 45th District.

“That’s substantial money to raise this early,” Jarvis said.

Kim Varet, an art dealer from Los Angeles, drew substantial in-state support, reporting more than $300,000 raised from California donors.

Another Democratic candidate in the 40th District race, Christina Gagnier, raised more than $305,000 in the first quarter, including $26,003 in personal contributions. Joe Kerr, who lost to Kim in 2024, reported raising about $77,000, and Nina Linh, another Democrat, reported no fundraising.

Fundraising is often seen as an early measure of candidate viability, signaling to donors, national parties and potential challengers that a campaign is gaining traction. But not all money means momentum — some of the funds trickling into campaign accounts are carryovers from the last cycle.

For example, Kim reported moving about $40,000 that was originally earmarked for last year’s general election into her current campaign account. Min, who ran a tight race in 2024, also reallocated around $17,000 he had raised for a potential recount last year to help fund his 2026 campaign.

But candidates are also trying to demonstrate strength early.

In Kim’s case, the early cash also reflects her political reality. Kim is also the only Republican out of the six members who represent communities in Orange County in Congress, which raises the stakes even higher for the GOP. The national Democratic Party is already eyeing the seat as a possible pickup opportunity.

The district, which spans Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, has been labeled a “district in play” by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for 2026. The Cook Political Report rated the seat as “likely Republican” last year, and it has changed its rating to “lean Republican” for 2026, indicating the race is more competitive but still favors the GOP.

As of Feb. 10, registered Republicans made up 38.48% of voters in the district, while Democrats accounted for 33.09% and voters with no party preference made up 22.14%, according to California’s secretary of state. Kim bested Kerr in November with 55.3% of the vote.

“I’m no stranger to tough races — every dollar counts. It means the world to me that our message continues to gain momentum,” Kim said in a statement. “We are operating full steam ahead and will continue to be everywhere in CA-40 talking directly with voters through next November.”

For freshmen members like Min and Tran, the latter of whom flipped a seat in 2024, raising money early is essential.

In California’s 47th District, Min reported raising about $753,000, while Tran in the 45th District raised close to $460,000. Min was among the top four Democratic fundraisers in competitive House races nationally. Neither candidate reported making any personal loans or contributions to their campaigns.

“The OC numbers are a bit higher than you might normally expect, but remember that Tran and Min are freshmen. The most vulnerable any incumbent is in their career is as a freshman,” Jarvis said.

While campaigns in the 40th District are showing early signs of hyperactivity, the 45th and 47th Districts remain less defined, with few major challengers emerging yet beyond the incumbents.

But it’s still early: Candidates planning to run for the House in California in 2026 must file by March 6, 2026.

In the 45th District, Republican Michelle Steel, who lost her reelection bid in 2024 to Tran, appears to be keeping her options open.

Steel raised around $74,000 this quarter and much of her spending went to administrative costs. But her campaign committee remains active — a sign, Jarvis said, that she hasn’t ruled out another run. Steel, through a spokesperson, declined to comment on her future plans.

In addition to Steel, Republicans Mark Andrew Leonard and Brian Forde have filed to run in the 45th District. Leonard did not report any fundraising from January through March, while Forde raised $0 but had $220,762 in the bank.

In the 47th District, three Republicans have filed so far. Michael Maxsenti, a founding member of the California Common Sense Party, which was launched in 2019 with the tagline “fiscally responsible and socially inclusive” to attract moderate voters, reported raising $7,500 in the first quarter, all from a personal loan. Brian Burley reported just over $2,500 in contributions, while Ryan Sage Lam did not report any fundraising.

Down in the 49th District, however, four-term Democratic incumbent Mike Levin, who raised over $677,000 in the first quarter, appears to have a more formidable challenger.

Levin, who won reelection narrowly in 2022 and in 2024, is likely to be a Democratic priority to defend in 2026.

In the first fundraising quarter, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond brought in close to $424,000 without relying on personal funds. Desmond is the only Republican challenger in an Orange County congressional race to break into six-figure territory during the first quarter.

So far, Desmond and two other candidates have filed to challenge Levin in 2026. Julian Arellano, an American Independent Party candidate, reported raising about $1,971, while Republican Eli Stern reported no fundraising from January through March.

By contrast, Rep. Lou Correa, who represents the reliably blue 46th District, raised just under $200,000, and Rep. Linda Sánchez in California’s 38th District, also a safe district for Democrats, brought in around $180,000.

David Pan, who lost to Correa in 2024, has filed to run against him again in 2026. Pan, a German language and history professor at UC Irvine, reported raising $8,259 in the first quarter and loaned his campaign $2,000.

Jarvis said non-threatened incumbents typically fundraise at a lower clip compared to freshmen or those who’ve faced recent competitive races. But even then, fundraising is never fully optional.

“All members have to keep their oars in the water at all times,” Jarvis said. “But freshmen and those who ran a close race have to call, call, call.”

Nationally, Democrats generally have had the fundraising advantage in recent cycles, but this year, Republicans are jumping out to an early lead.

According to an analysis by Erin Covey, a House race analyst with the Cook Political Report, the median House Democrat in a competitive district raised $440,000, while the median Republican raised $940,000 from January through March.

It’s too early to tell whether that advantage will last, Covey said. Republicans also began the 2024 cycle with a solid lead, but by the start of the election year, Democrats had caught up, and in many races, outspent their GOP counterparts.

Still, the first-quarter momentum among GOP incumbents is hard to ignore.

Seven Republican House members in battleground seats raised more than $1 million between January and March — including Kim and fellow Rep. Ken Calvert in California’s 41st District, who brought in $1.3 million.

Of the 17 Republican incumbents in districts the Cook Political Report rated “toss up” or “lean Republican,” Kim reported having the most money in the bank, over $2.5 million.

​ Orange County Register 

Stay charged on the road with the best RV generator

• April 22, 2025

Which RV generator is best?

It’s great to get back to nature, but sometimes you want to use the amenities available at home while on the road. Recreational vehicles don’t have a built-in power supply, and you’re not always guaranteed to find an electrical socket when you park for the night.

The simplest solution to always have electricity is to have an RV generator. These gadgets are relatively bulky but cost-efficient and reliable. Most popular generators work on fuel to produce AC power, which you then feed into your RV. (Keep in mind that generators don’t store electricity, so if that is something you need to do, there are other devices you need to buy.)

If you’re considering an RV generator, the quiet and lightweight Champion Global Power Equipment Open Frame Inverter RV Generator is an excellent choice.

What to know before you buy an RV generator

Consider if you need a generator

Before looking for a powerful RV generator, consider whether you need one. You might have seen that other RVers have them, but they could have a specific need. For example, your RV undoubtedly has a 12-volt battery installed for primary systems. You can use that battery for your electrical appliances and charge mobile phones, but if the 12-volt battery dies, you will be stuck. Many don’t use a generator to overcome this but prefer to install solar panels or alternator chargers to keep the juice flowing.

Types of RV generators

Most RV generators look alike, but typically, there are four kinds available:

• Portable generators are common among campers and RV users who don’t have the luxury of a built-in generator. They are easy to use, as the generator has an outlet socket that connects directly to the RV.
• A contractor or frame generator is a portable generator that provides a lot of power but tends to be noisy.
• Inverter generators are much quieter but produce less power and cost more.
• Built-in generators are built into your RV’s frame. They are the most convenient but cost a lot more and are usually part of an RV upgrade.

Fuel type for generation

Most people think of gas when it comes to generators. While gasoline is the most common fuel type, some generators work on diesel or propane. Built-in generators exclusively use the same fuel as the RV.

While slightly more expensive, another option is solar power. Typically, this produces less power than a gas generator, but having enough panels and the proper circuitry can make your RV trips even more self-sufficient.

What to look for in a quality RV generator

Output wattage

Depending on your requirements, the generator must output more power than you draw. The output capacity is measured in watts, and the difference between generators is based on size. A good-quality RV generator will produce around 4,000 watts of electricity.

What you can operate will depend on the output capacity of the generator. A straightforward calculation adds up the wattage needed for each appliance or device and compares that to the generator. For example, an electric kettle requires 1,200 watts when switched on, and a microwave uses 1,000 watts. If you have a 2,000-watt generator, running both appliances simultaneously will trip the power.

Fuel capacity

The fuel capacity of a generator determines how long it can run. Portable generators operate at steady revolutions per minute, or RPM, regardless of how much power they draw. On the other hand, inverter generators fluctuate the RPM depending on the load. In both cases, it affects how much fuel is consumed. A good-quality generator will have a large enough fuel tank to run steadily for a few hours.

Reduced noise levels

The noise levels of a generator will vary significantly between types. For example, frame or construction generators are the loudest and can be uncomfortable for those around them. Typically, the noise level is about 80 decibels, roughly the same as heavy traffic on a freeway. On the other hand, inverter generators are much quieter and typically produce around 60 decibels of noise, which is about the same as a normal conversation.

How much you can expect to spend on an RV generator

The average price of an RV generator largely depends on the output capacity and any additional features. A portable generator can cost $300-$900, while a built-in generator can cost $2,000-$3,000, depending on the installer.

RV generator FAQ

Can you connect two generators to double your power?

A. Yes, you can, but it is only possible with specific generators. If the device isn’t compatible with parallel connections, you might need an upgrade kit or adapter.

How heavy are portable generators?

A. They can be relatively hefty, with most of them weighing over 100 pounds. You’ll find that many generators have roller wheels for portability, or you can install them on a trolley for moving around.

What’s the best RV generator to buy?

Top RV generator

Champion Global Power Equipment Open Frame Inverter RV Generator

What you need to know: Producing 4,250 watts of electricity, this portable inverter generator has a 2.3-gallon gasoline tank. It powers a 224 cc, four-stroke engine that can run for 22 hours.

What you’ll love: You can connect this generator in parallel with another to double your output. The touch panel on the front gives you monitoring access to voltage, frequency and runtime. It has two household outlets, two USB ports and one 3-ampere RV outlet.

What you should consider: While it is an inverter, the noise level at 23 feet is the equivalent loudness of a normal conversation.

Top RV generator for the money

WEN 3600-Watt Portable Inverter Generator

What you need to know: This 3600-watt inverter generator has great performance and a lot of features for the price.

What you’ll love: It has two, three-pronged 120-volt outlets, a TT-30R RV receptacle, and a 12V DC outlet. It’s easy to move around, as it only weighs 46 pounds and has a carrying handle. It’s easy to start and runs quietly.

What you should consider: This generator is not as powerful as some other options.

Worth checking out

Champion Power Equipment 4500-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator

What you need to know: This portable inverter generator can produce 4,500 watts of electricity and features a remote to start or stop it from 80 feet away.

What you’ll love: Since it is an inverter, it is much quieter than other models. It has a 2.3-gallon gasoline tank, enough for the generator to run for about 14 hours.

What you should consider: You can buy an optional parallel kit to double your output by connecting two generators together.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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​ Orange County Register 

Play your best with top-rated men’s soccer cleats

• April 22, 2025

Which men’s soccer cleats are best?

The game of soccer is all about footwork. You run, jump, kick and accomplish everything that’s necessary to win thanks to the power of your legs and feet. If you want to play like the very best, you’ll need to wear the very best cleats. The right cleats are a game changer, making all the difference when it comes to speed, acceleration and control. So, it’s important to research your options so you get the right footwear for your level of play..

What to know before you buy men’s soccer cleats

Field type

Men’s soccer cleats are all designed specifically for types of ground they’ll be played on: firm ground, soft ground, artificial ground and multiground.

• Firm: Firm ground (FG) men’s soccer cleats are designed for natural grounds and grasses. Their cleats are typically round, and occasionally removable, to enhance one’s traction.
• Soft: Soft ground (SG) men’s soccer cleats are designed for playing on any natural field that isn’t firm. This can include wet grasses and muds or dry grounds with a lot of give. SG cleats use longer cleats, which are sometimes aluminum tipped, to dig into the soft ground for more traction.
• Artificial: Artificial ground (AG) cleats have the shortest cleats of the bunch. This is to help provide grip on the generally shallow fielding that artificial turfs have.
• Multi: Multi-ground (MG) cleats are designed to achieve reasonable levels of traction, grip and control on as many types of ground as possible. MG cleats are an excellent option for casual soccer players and especially players who move around a lot for matches.

What to look for in quality men’s soccer cleats

Men’s soccer cleat construction

Each section of men’s soccer cleats have important elements to consider that affect performance.

• Cleat and outsole: Cleat is both the name for the shoe and the name of the nubs that grip into the terrain. Soccer cleats are placed around the outsole in a pattern that follows the foot’s natural flow of motion and can be made of various materials and in various shapes. They attach to the outsole, which is usually a type of plastic for durability, flexibility and comfort.
• Upper and collar: The upper is essentially the rest of the cleat. They can be made from many materials, though leather is generally considered to be the best. Meanwhile, the collar is the opening of the cleat. They come in low, medium and high cuts.
• Laces: Laces can be both straight along the top of the foot or offset to the side. Some players have a preference depending on their style of play but for most, it comes down more to style than function.

How much you can expect to spend on men’s soccer cleats

Men’s soccer cleats are available in all manner of price points which means there’s always an excellent cleat in your budget. You can find men’s soccer cleats for as little as $20 and some for several hundred but most men’s soccer cleats cost between $50-$150.

Men’s soccer cleats FAQ

How long do men’s soccer cleats usually last?

A. That depends both on the quality of the soccer cleats and how much wear you’re putting into them. Nonprofessional soccer players can usually get a few years of use out of an average cleat. But rigorous, professional-level practice and games can exhaust an average soccer cleat by the end of a single season or sooner. As long as you’re buying a decent cleat, a casual player is likely to get about three years out of it.

Does the method of lacing up a men’s soccer cleat affect your performance?

A. Yes and no. For casual and nonprofessional players, the method you choose to lace up your cleats isn’t likely to have much effect on your overall play performance. There are several lacing styles that professionals use to modify how their cleat fits to their feet though, like wrapping one’s laces around the instep to provide some extra arch support.

What are the best men’s soccer cleats to buy?

Top men’s soccer cleats

Adidas Men’s Copa Mundial Soccer Cleat

What you need to know: These Adidas men’s soccer cleats are an excellent choice for fledgling and experienced soccer players alike.

What you’ll love: The Copa Mundial Adidas men’s soccer cleats perfectly straddle the line between highly effective and highly comfortable. Their durability is high enough to last for years, depending on the level of intensive and extended play. The classical design gives these cleats a stylish throwback kind of look.

What you should consider: They have limited effectiveness on wet turf, and the classical design forgoes some cleat technology advancements.

Top men’s soccer cleats for money

Adidas Men’s Performance Mundial Team Athletic Shoe

What you need to know: These supportive cleats are covered in studs perfect for playing on artificial grass.

What you’ll love: They’re made with genuine leather and suede on the outside and synthetic materials on the inside. They look like indoor soccer shoes, but you can use them on both turf and smooth surfaces.

What you should consider: They’re heavier shoes than some other options.

Worth checking out

Adidas Predator 20.4 Flexible Ground Soccer Shoe

What you need to know: These comfortable and affordable shoes are best for beginner players.

What you’ll love: They’re flexible enough to ensure that beginner players don’t roll their ankles as often. They also have an ankle collar that helps with control.

What you should consider: They won’t last a long time, especially if you use them a lot in wet weather.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

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​ Orange County Register 

Best supplements to ease your dog’s joint discomfort

• April 22, 2025

Which joint supplements for dogs are best?

Many elderly dogs suffer from the pains and aches of arthritis, which may come in the form of stiffness, limping or reluctance to do activities they once loved. There is no cure for arthritis, but you can relieve your dog’s pain and aches with joint supplements. The Honest Paws CBD Oil for Dogs – Mobility is a stellar joint supplement for dogs.

What to know before you buy a joint supplement for dogs

Common canine arthritis symptoms

The most common symptoms of arthritis in dogs are accidents inside your home, crying, a loss of appetite, showing signs of pain when they’re touched on impacted areas of their body, unusual aggression, depression or irritability, refusing to walk more than just a few steps, limping or walking stiffly and slowly, particularly in the morning.

They might also sleep more than usual, be reluctant to use the stairs, refuse to jump into the car or onto the couch or simply be less interested in outings and walks.

Canine arthritis treatment

If your dog has severe arthritis, you should take them to the vet and give them prescription-strength inflammation and pain relievers. But if they have minor arthritic discomfort, there are a number of over-the-counter joint supplements to help make the condition a little easier to live with.

Some of the most common ingredients in these joint supplements for dogs include glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, methylsulfonylmethane or MSM, hyaluronic acid and CBD.

Side effects

Most non-prescription joint supplements don’t have any side effects, but some more sensitive dogs might have digestive symptoms like gas or loose stools. These side effects will typically go away within a few days, but if they don’t, you should stop giving your dog the supplement.

What to look for in a quality joint supplement for dogs

Appeal

The joint supplement must appeal to your dog. These supplements usually have meat flavors, so this shouldn’t be an issue.

Affordability

The joint supplement should also be fairly affordable and cost-effective. If you have a larger dog, you might need more capsules per dose, so keep this in mind during your search.

Fillers

Watch out for fillers — ideally, the supplement shouldn’t contain any artificial colors, fillers or nonessential ingredients.

How much you can expect to spend on a joint supplement for dogs

Inexpensive joint supplements cost less than $20, while mid-range joint supplements range in price from about $20-$40, and high-end joint supplements go for more than $40.

Joint supplement for dogs FAQ

Are some dog breeds more likely to get arthritis than other breeds?

A. Any dog breed, including mutts, can get arthritis as they get older, but some dog breeds are more susceptible to getting arthritis than other breeds. Larger breeds, like Newfoundlands, Great Danes, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers and German shepherds, are more likely to get arthritis than small breeds.

One exception to this rule is that smaller dog breeds with long backs, like dachshunds and corgis, are more prone to spine and hip problems and are more likely to get arthritis.

Can young dogs and puppies get arthritis?

A. Most dogs with arthritis are senior dogs with osteoarthritis, but there are other kinds of joint disorders and arthritis that can show up in younger dogs, including puppies. If your puppy or young dog seems to be unwell, doesn’t want to jump or walk or limps, then you should take them to the veterinarian.

What is the best method for giving your dog their joint supplement?

A. Most joint supplements are flavored with peanut butter, chicken, beef or other ingredients that dogs love, and they typically come in a treat-like form, so you can give the supplement to your dog as a treat if you want. You can also choose to mix the joint supplement into your dog’s food.

What are the best joint supplements for dogs to buy?

Top joint supplement for dogs

Honest Paws CBD Oil for Dogs – Mobility

What you need to know: This joint supplement for dogs from Honest Paws is a perfect full-spectrum CBD oil for any dog with hip or joint issues.

What you’ll love: This supplement is simple to give directly to your dog or add to their food, and it comes with turmeric, which functions as an anti-inflammatory ingredient to help ease their joint problems.

What you should consider: This supplement can be fairly expensive over the long term, depending on the size of your dog.

Top joint supplement for dogs for the money

PetHonesty Hemp Mobility Duck Flavored Soft Chews Joint & Mobility Supplement for Dogs

What you need to know: These joint supplements feature natural ingredients, as well as a purposeful formula that your dog will love.

What you’ll love: This supplement includes a mixture of Glucosamine HCL, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), turmeric and green lipped mussels.

What you should consider: Some customers say they take some time to kick in.

Worth checking out

YuMove Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs

What you need to know: This supplement can show results as soon as six weeks after it’s taken.

What you’ll love: It includes easily absorbed nutrients such as green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and plant-based glucosamine, so it works quickly.

What you should consider: These supplements have a strong, fishy odor.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

​ Orange County Register 

As controversies pile up, Trump allies increasingly turn on one another

• April 22, 2025

By CHRIS MEGERIAN and ZEKE MILLER, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The infighting and backstabbing that plagued President Donald Trump’s first term have returned as a threat to his second, with deepening fissures over trade, national security and questions of personal loyalty.

The latest turmoil threatens to engulf the Pentagon, where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has pushed out top advisers and faces fresh controversy over sharing sensitive information about airstrikes in Yemen outside of classified channels. A former Pentagon spokesperson who was ousted last week wrote in Politico that Trump should fire Hegseth for presiding over a “full-blown meltdown.”

The interpersonal drama is not — at least yet — a dominant plot line of Trump’s return to the White House. But its reemergence after a period of relative discipline in his ranks reflects a turbulent management style that has been suppressed or papered over, not reformed.

Trump’s national security team was recently rattled by an Oval Office visit from Laura Loomer, a far-right conspiracy theorist who has been questioning his staff’s trustworthiness. The Republican president fired some of the officials, emboldening Loomer to continue scrutinizing people across the administration.

In an interview with independent journalist Tara Palmeri released on Monday, Loomer mocked the idea that the White House is “one big happy family.”

“The advisers don’t get along with each other,” she said. “The heads of agencies don’t get along with each other.”

Tariff trouble causes friction for the Trump team

Much of the tension is connected to Trump’s determination to use tariffs to rebalance the global economy, with officials often contradicting each other and occasionally turning to insults. Trump adviser Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur whose companies could suffer from higher costs brought on by import taxes, sharply criticized Peter Navarro, Trump’s top counselor on trade, as “dumber than a sack of bricks.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the idea of growing dissension within the administration, saying there are “far more examples of the president’s team working together enthusiastically and collaboratively to advance the administration’s goals.”

“The numbers and results of this administration speak for themselves,” she said. “The president and his team are getting work done.”

Trump has always had a high tolerance for chaos, shunning traditional policy deliberations to entertain divergent opinions and viewing unpredictability as a negotiating tool. He’s spent years fostering a competitive atmosphere among his staff members, who are often chosen for their devotion and penchant for aggression.

But now the increasing strife underscores the risks for more turmoil in the months ahead, as Trump presses forward with a dramatic overhaul of the federal bureaucracy, international trade, foreign policy and more.

John Bolton, who served as national security adviser in Trump’s first term before writing a tell-all book critical of the president’s inner circle, said the drama reflects the lack of a consistent ideology and the inexperience of many administration officials.

“The only thing they have in common is the belief that they should show personal fealty to Trump,” Bolton said. “That got them the job. That may in fact keep them in the job. But it shows how fundamentally unserious they are.”

The situation is a test for Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, who helped run Trump’s presidential campaign last year. She earned a reputation for imposing an unusual level of order on Trump’s chaotic orbit — though she carefully avoided trying to control Trump or his impulses — and he praised her as “the ice maiden.”

During Trump’s first term, he had four chiefs of staff — one of them serving in an acting capacity for more than a year. The second, former U.S. Marine Gen. John Kelly, became a sharp critic of the president after he left the job, describing him as a fascist during the 2024 election.

White House closes ranks around Hegseth

With his new administration, Trump has surrounded himself with loyalists, and he’s been reluctant to throw anyone overboard in response to negative coverage from the mainstream media, which he considers to be an enemy. Allies say the hesitance to make personnel changes in this term is meant to deny giving a win to critics, even if it means leaving troubled officials in place.

On Monday, the president brushed off reports that Hegseth participated in a second group chat to talk about pending airstrikes in Yemen last month. The first chat, which used the encrypted messaging application Signal, involved top administration officials as well as the editor of The Atlantic, who was accidentally included in the discussion.

The second, first reported by The New York Times on Sunday, included Hegseth’s wife, who does not have a government job, and his brother and his personal lawyer, both of whom work at the Pentagon.

“Same old stuff,” Trump said when reporters questioned him about it during the White House Easter egg roll. He said Hegseth is “doing a great job” and “it’s just fake news.”

Leavitt, in an appearance on Fox News Channel, defended Hegseth with a swipe at the people who work for him.

“This is what happens when the entire Pentagon is working against you and against the monumental change that you are trying to implement,” she said. Leavitt’s comment was shared by an official Defense Department social media account.

Trump loyalists — not just Democrats — are pointing fingers

However, some of those speaking out were among Hegseth’s top advisers.

John Ullyot, who served as a Pentagon spokesperson until he was asked to resign, wrote in Politico that “it’s hard to see Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remaining in his role for much longer.” He added that “the president deserves better” and “many in the secretary’s own inner circle will applaud quietly” if Hegseth is fired.

The disorder extends through the Pentagon’s senior ranks. Three officials — Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll and Darin Selnick — were recently pushed out, and they issued a statement saying people “have slandered our character with baseless attacks on our way out the door.”

Hegseth did not deny the reports about his use of Signal. But he added: “What a big surprise that a few leakers get fired and suddenly a bunch of hit pieces come out.”

Trump’s tariff plans have also been a source of stress inside the administration, often leading to mixed messages and policy confusion. Navarro insisted there weren’t going to be any negotiations, contradicting Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s insistence that import taxes were about strengthening the White House’s negotiating position.

The president partially retreated from his plans, but not before Navarro and Musk began openly feuding. Navarro said Musk was “protecting his own interests” by opposing tariffs, and he described Musk’s electric automaker Tesla as a “car assembler” that’s dependent on importing parts from overseas.

Musk, who advises Trump on ways to downsize the federal bureaucracy, responded by saying that Navarro was “truly a moron.”

Leavitt downplayed the dispute by saying “boys will be boys.”

“We will let their public sparring continue,” she told reporters. “And you guys should all be very grateful that we have the most transparent administration in history.”

Trump often appears more interested in fealty than veracity. During part of last year’s campaign, he traveled with Loomer, who has a history of making racist attacks on Trump’s opponents and once claimed the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks were an inside job.

After Trump won, Loomer became frustrated that she wasn’t allowed to help vet administration personnel. She eventually secured an Oval Office meeting with the president, bringing research on national security officials whom she believed were disloyal.

After Trump fired some of them, Loomer has continued her work. Last week, she accused Bessent of inviting a “Trump hater” to work with him on financial literacy efforts.

“I am going to personally tell President Trump and personally show him these receipts,” Loomer wrote on social media, adding “shame on” Bessent.

Musk shared her post and chimed in with his support — “troubling,” he wrote.

​ Orange County Register 

Pope Francis’ funeral to be held Saturday, with public viewing starting Wednesday

• April 22, 2025

By NICOLE WINFIELD and COLLEEN BARRY, Associated Press

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis will be laid to rest Saturday after lying in state for three days in St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful are expected to flock to pay their respects to history’s first Latin American pontiff.

The cardinals met Tuesday in the Vatican’s synod hall to chart the next steps before a conclave begins to choose Francis’ successor, as condolences poured in from around the world. According to current norms, the conclave must begin between May 5 and 10.

The cardinals set the funeral for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, to be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. U.S. President Donald Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump plan to attend, and Argentine President Javier Milei is also expected.

The Argentine pope died Monday at age 88 after a stroke put him in a coma and led his heart to fail. He had been recovering in his apartment after being hospitalized for five weeks with pneumonia. He made his last public appearance Sunday, delivering an Easter blessing and greeting followers from his popemobile, looping around St. Peter’s Square.

His Easter appearance from the same loggia where he was introduced to the world as the first pope from the Americas on March 13, 2013, was a fitting bookend to a 12-year papacy that sought to shake up the church and return it to its Gospel-mandated mission of caring for the poorest.

Vatican officials remember Francis

“He truly gave everything he had, up to the end,” said Sister Nathalie Becquart, one of the highest-ranking women at the Vatican.

While the ordinary faithful will have an opportunity to pay their respects beginning Wednesday, Vatican officials were allowed to say their goodbyes starting Monday evening. Speaking to reporters after she paid her respects, Becquart marveled at Francis’ final Easter salute to his flock. “He really walked with his people,” she said.

Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi said it was specifically Francis’ effort to promote the role of women in the church that will be one of his greatest legacies. Ravasi noted that Francis chose to be buried near his favorite icon of the Madonna, in a basilica across town, and not in the grottoes underneath St. Peter’s, as is typical for popes.

“He wanted to be buried under the shadow of a woman, in this case Maria,” said Ravasi, the Vatican’s former culture minister as he arrived for Tuesday’s first meeting of cardinals. “That is significant, his desire for the church to do more for women.”

The first images of Francis’ body were released Tuesday, showing him in red vestments and his bishop’s miter in a wooden casket, with the Vatican secretary of state praying over him in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where he lived and died.

In his final will, Francis said he wanted to be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica, which is home to the Salus Populi Romani icon of Mary. Before and after every foreign trip, Francis would go to the basilica to pray before the Byzantine-style painting that features an image of Mary, draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus, who in turn holds a jeweled golden book.

Francis stopped by the basilica on his way home from the Gemelli hospital on March 23, after his 38-day stay, to deliver flowers to be placed before the icon. He returned April 12 to pray before it one last time.

The world reacts

Bells tolled in chapels, churches and cathedrals around the world and flags flew at half-staff in Italy, India, Taiwan and the U.S. after Francis’ death was announced by the camerlengo, who takes charge of the Vatican after a pope’s death. Soccer matches in Italy and Argentina were suspended in honor of the pope who was a lifelong fan of the San Lorenzo soccer club.

World leaders praised Francis for his moral leadership and compassion, while ordinary faithful remembered his simplicity and humanity.

“Like every Argentine, I think he was a rebel,” said 23-year-old Catalina Favaro, who had come to pay her respects in the Buenos Aires church where Francis discovered his priestly vocation. “He may have been contradictory, but that was nice, too.”

In East Timor, where Francis’ final outdoor Mass drew nearly half of the population last September, President Jose Ramos-Horta praised Francis’ courage. “Pope Francis was a brave man who was not afraid to speak out against the rulers of the world who seek war, but do not want to seek peace,” Ramos-Horta said.

“He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home — this Earth — is a gift we must protect for future generations,” said Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who is Muslim. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and has around 30 million Catholics, representing about 14% of the population.

Viewing the pope’s coffin

The pope’s formal apartments in the Apostolic Palace and in the Santa Marta hotel were sealed Monday evening, following a centuries-old ritual. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who as camerlengo had the task of announcing the death and confirming it once the cause was determined, presided over the rituals.

Francis chose not to live in the palace, but in a two-room suite in Santa Marta on the other side of Vatican City. He died there and his body was transferred to the hotel chapel in the lobby, where the private viewing was underway Tuesday for Vatican officials and members of the pontifical household.

In changes made by Francis last year, his body was not placed in three wooden coffins, as it had been for previous popes. Rather, Francis was placed in a simplified wooden coffin with a zinc coffin inside.

Once in St. Peter’s, his casket will not be put on an elevated bier — as was the case with past popes — but will just be be placed simply facing the pews, with the Paschal candle nearby.

“He was a pope who didn’t change his path when it came to getting (his hands) dirty,” Francis’ vicar for Rome, Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, said in a Mass in his honor. “For him, poor people and migrants were the sacrament of Jesus.”

Choosing the next pope

After the funeral, there are nine days of official mourning, known as the “novendiali.” During this period, cardinals arrive in Rome and meet privately before the conclave.

To give everyone time to assemble, the conclave must begin 15 to 20 days after the “sede vacante” — the “vacant See” — is declared, although it can start sooner if the cardinals agree.

Once the conclave begins, cardinals vote in secret sessions in the Sistine Chapel. After voting sessions, the ballots are burned in a special stove. Black smoke indicates that no pope has been elected, while white smoke indicates that the cardinals have chosen the next head of the Catholic Church.

The one who has secured two-thirds of the votes wins. If he accepts, his election is announced by a cardinal from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica who tells the world: “Habemus Papam” — Latin for “We have a pope.”

Associated Press reporters Paolo Santalucia and Silvia Stellacci contributed.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

​ Orange County Register 

Your clothes are shedding bits of plastic. Here’s what people are doing about it this Earth Day

• April 22, 2025

By JENNIFER McDERMOTT, Associated Press

Bottles and bags, food wrappers and straws. Piping, packaging, toys and trays. Plastic is everywhere — and yet some people may be surprised at how much they actually wear.

A typical closet is loaded with plastic, woven into polyester activewear, acrylic sweaters, nylon swimsuits and stretchy socks — and it’s shedding into the environment nonstop.

When garments are worn, washed and put through the dryer, they shed plastic fiber fragments. A single load of laundry can release millions that are so tiny wastewater treatment plants can’t capture them all. They wind up in local waterways that connect to the ocean. Marine animals eat them, and that can pass plastic to larger animals and humans.

Even natural fabrics shed fibers and have chemicals that can leach into the environment. But polyester is the most widely used fiber on Earth, and along with other synthetic fibers accounts for about two-thirds of production worldwide.

Tuesday is Earth Day, when people worldwide contemplate ways to reduce their impact on the planet.

“Everyone who wears and launders clothing is part of this problem but everyone who wears and launders clothing can be part of the solutions,” said Rachael Z. Miller, founder of Vermont-based Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean.

Simple changes like washing clothes less and using cold water instead of hot can help reduce the shedding of fibers. More challenging is that textiles need to be produced and used in a more sustainable way, said Elisa Tonda at the UN Environment Programme. For example, designing clothes that shed fewer microfibers and are high-quality to last longer, said Tonda, who leads the resources and markets branch.

What to do? Start by changing habits

The easiest solution is to wash clothes less often, making for less of the friction that breaks fibers apart, said Anja Brandon, director of plastics policy at Ocean Conservancy.

“They get tumbled and tossed around with a bunch of soaps, really designed to shake things up to get out dirt and stains,” Brandon said.

Miller uses a stain stick to spot-clean. Both say that when clothes are washed, they shed less when put in cold water in full loads to reduce friction, on a shorter cycle, then hung to dry.

Inspired by the way coral filters the ocean, Miller invented the Cora Ball, a laundry ball that can be tossed into the washer to cut down on clothes banging into each other. It also catches microfibers. (A portion of the proceeds goes to the Rozalia Project.) Another option is to put synthetic fabrics in a washing bag that captures fibers.

Which clothes shed the most? To find out, press a strip of clear packing tape to a garment, then stick it to white paper to check for fibers, Miller said. Garments that are loosely knit or woven tend to shed more, such as fleece.

Miller said people don’t need to rush to throw out clothing that’s more likely to shed. She owns fleece jackets herself. Instead, she suggested such clothing can be worn indoors only or outside with a layer on top, and it’s worth thinking twice about acquiring more garments like that.

“I try not to guilt or panic people because a lot of this information is very new,” Miller said. “And so we might as well just say, ‘OK, I got it. How can I be strategic about what I’ve got?’”

A push to require filters

Filters can be added to washers to capture microfibers. Samsung Electronics collaborated with Patagonia and the global conservation organization Ocean Wise to launch one in 2023. It’s now sold in more than 20 countries for front-load washers. Bosch recently launched a microfiber filter in Europe for washers.

France was first to adopt a law to mandate that new washing machines sold in the country have a microfiber filter, though implementation has been delayed.

In the U.S., efforts to mandate filters in states have failed. California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill in 2023, saying he was concerned about the cost to consumers and he wants to incentivize, not mandate, technologies to remove microfibers in wastewater. In Oregon, state Sen. Deb Patterson proposed a bill this year requiring microfiber filters on new washers sold in that state after she came across the technology in Canada. Patterson said the bill doesn’t have enough support yet but she’ll keep trying.

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers opposes the proposals, saying it’s concerned about consumer costs and filter effectiveness.

Changing textiles

Some big brands are testing their fabrics to help researchers understand fiber fragmentation, including Adidas, Nike, Patagonia and Under Armour.

They’re among more than 90 brands, retailers and manufacturers to partner with The Microfibre Consortium in the United Kingdom, founded in 2018 to do research and offer solutions to transform textile production — including reducing fiber breakup.

Nearly 1,500 fabrics have been tested. None are the same, making it a tough problem to solve, consortium CEO Kelly Sheridan said.

Patagonia has been a leader in trying to stop the spread of synthetic fiber waste into air and water, saying it’s up to garment brands to prevent it at the source since cleaning up microplastics in the environment is not yet possible.

It paid for its own research starting a decade ago on the implication of its clothes. The company worked with suppliers to choose fabrics and dyes and to finish their clothing in ways that reduce shedding. They collaborated on new filtration technologies for washers, textile mills and municipal systems.

One of their best-known styles is something called the “better sweater” that shifts from virgin polyester to recycled polyester to cut shedding by about 40%, said Matt Dwyer, vice president of global product footprint. And at textile mills, there’s a prewash at the factory that can capture that first big shed, he added.

Dwyer is optimistic about progress.

“There’s a whole lot of smart people, not just understanding the problem and the scope of the problem, but also looking for solutions all the way through the manufacturing cycle and use phase,” he said. “Compared to 10 years ago, it’s a whole new world.”

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

​ Orange County Register